Posts: 5

Topic: Stents Replaced

I had my stents replaced yesterday down at Univerity of Colorado Health Sciences Center. They said the tumors appear to be improved. The ERCP back in February said the tumors improved significantly. So I will take it. They replaced the plastic stents with more plastic stents. They talked about doing metal stents. Metal stents would be permanent. I still may have to have ERCPs to clean out the metal stents. I am just afraid of the word permanent.

Does anybody have any experience with metal stents they would like to share?

Re: Stents Replaced

Michelle,I am not sure and I dont have any experience. But I do remember that when the doctor said I might need stents I flipped out, researched and then told him I would not have metal stents, only plastic. I dont remember why though. Perhaps it was that they are permanent and I do have a problem with commitment (a have to use a paperclip and never a staple because at some point you might want to remove a paper:) ).

Re: Stents Replaced

Michelle, My husbands Drs talked about metal stents but we always said no. He actually is stent free at the moment so I think we were right to stick with the plastic. "Permanent" bothered me too. It really limits your options! Mary

Re: Stents Replaced

Michelle....this is what I have been told. Metal stents are larger and as has been mentioned, they are permanent. My husband's stent was replaced and in his case it allowed for better drainige of his bile. Anyone contemplating a future resection would not be advised to replace plastic with metal. Although, much less frequent metal stents can clog and when that happens, a "roter rooter" type procedure might be used. I would advise you to discuss the pro and cons with your physicians. Also, you might want to read up on previous conversations re: metal or, plastic stents while using the "Search Function."I am thrilled to hear that your tumors have decreased. Congratulations.Marion

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Re: Stents Replaced

Michelle

While my mother had a lot of issues with her stents, it had nothing to do with the fact that they were plastic. I agree that something permanent can be limiting and who is to say what new treatments may be developed. I did a little searching and way back in 2003 there was a study on bioabsorbable stents, see:

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